In the lead-up to Christmas we are showcasing some of the festive items in our collection across our social networks. Behind the door of our virtual advent calendar today is…

Rejected stamp artwork by Arnold Machin (1968)

One of several designs submitted to the GPO by Arnold Machin for Britain’s 1968 Christmas stamps. Machin is best known as the designer of the Queen’s Head definitive stamps (known as Machins) still in use today.

See larger images of all the items in our Virtual Advent Calendar on Flickr.

In the lead-up to Christmas we are showcasing some of the festive items in our collection across our social networks. Behind the door of our virtual advent calendar today is…

First Day Cover for Britain’s first Christmas stamps (1966)

The designs for Britain’s first Christmas stamps came about as the result of a competition for children. Eight professional stamp designers judged the 5000 entries received and eventually awarded the prizes to Tasveer Shemza and James Berry, both aged six. Shemza’s design features King Wenceslas, while Berry’s shows a snowman.

The image of Santa Claus which appears on the First Day Cover was designed by Ann Belshaw.

See larger images of all the items in our Virtual Advent Calendar on Flickr.